Places to Eat in Port Barton
Due to Port Barton being a seaside, fishing village means that food in this sleepy town predominantly follows a fisherman’s diet of seafood, rice and coconuts. Fortunately for locals and travellers alike, these three main ingredients that make up the basis of the local dishes, are not only accessible but are also very affordable.
What to eat in Port Barton
Many of the meal options combine these three ingredients along with various additives. Eggs are a common addition to meals along with a few vegetables. Dairy in Port Barton is virtually unheard of and many restaurants offer powdered creamer in place of milk and margarine instead of butter. However, do not despair! What they may lack in the dairy department they more than make up for in tasty, local food. Common dishes include, fried eggplant, pumpkin cooked in ginger and coconut milk, fried fish, chicken curry and pork sausages. Chicken and pork marinated and cooked in soy sauce and vinegar is also extremely popular in Port Barton.
Cheap Eats
Finding cheap, tasty food is generally at the top of most traveller’s daily to-do lists. More of a solution to a grumbling stomach than a culinary experience, Gacayan Restaurant, fondly dubbed, The Cheap Place, is Port Barton’s most inexpensive dining option. It is a cariendera style restaurant where customers select their meal choice from the steaming bowls on display and pair it with freshly steamed rice. Located two streets inland from the beach and close to the school, this restaurant is extremely wallet friendly with most meals costing a backpacker-friendly PHP50 per dish. Be sure to try the freshly squeezed, calamansi (a local lime) juice for a refreshing PHP35. Due to the popularity of Gacayan waiting times can be long, be sure to get there with some time to spare.
Slightly more expensive than Gacayan but only marginally is Ayette's Bamboo House located along the main road near the petrol station and beach. This very affordable restaurant in Port Barton has lovely bamboo huts, tables and chairs set up for diners in a small garden. Offering a varied, local menu with fresh ingredients, Ayette’s meals go for around PHP100 and sandwiches start at around PHP70. With the tasty food, outdoor seating arrangements and the unique atmosphere all for a very reasonable fee, this eatery gets a big nod of approval from its customers.
Local Food
If you’re looking for some surprisingly authentic Cajun style food then head on over to the well-known Jambalaya Cajun Café located on bustling Risal Street. Meals are pretty expensive and range from around PHP300 to PHP400 per dish but portions are generous and sharing is possible. Trendy, funky and cosy this restaurant oozes character and charm and with its excellent coffee, cocktails and seafood jambalaya it’s easy to understand why this spot is a hit. A free backpack storage area is also available for travellers.
Western and International Food
If you fancy Western fare, Olive’s Crib located on Balesteros Street just behind the basketball court, serves up delicious, generous servings of sizzling and seafood specialties in a welcoming environment. Meals are well-priced and the even the breakfast comes highly recommended. Open from 7am to 9pm this restaurant is a must-visit for travellers of Port Barton. Be sure to give the guyabano (soursop) fruit shake a try.
Looking for cheap beer and great food? Look no further than Kusinero Del Barrio Restobar. This restaurant is located at the end of the village on the way to Papuwyan Waterfall but the wonderful vibe of the friendly staff and the great music crooning through the restaurant in the evenings makes the spot well worth a visit. With the complimentary popcorn served during happy hour and the Japanese and traditional style seating, the hospitality and ambiance of this restaurant is over shadowed only by the superb quality of the food.
